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Metro Express
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1st-APLUMA
TAKING A VALIANT STAND ON SPREADING PH’s BRIGHT SIDE
Vol. 1. No.17
Manila, PHILIPPINES
Oct. 03- Oct. 10, 2011
P12.00
UNANG ALYANSA NG PANLALAWIGANG ...! h MAMAMAHAYAG a e l (MOBILE: 0915-5517486) A
PRESIDENT NOY SUMS UP 4-DAY VISIT TO JAPAN
‘VERY SUCCESSFUL’ TOKYO, Japan — President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed an overwhelming gratitude to the people of Japan and its government for their hospitality as he prepared to wrap up his very successful four-day official working visit here. During his traditional late evening engagement with the members of the Philippine media delegation, President Aquino said he was very heartened by the fact that Japan decided to sustain its 9.2 billion yen official development assistance (ODA) to the Philippines, notwithstanding the earthquake and tsunami that swallowed its Tohoku region only last March. “So there’s a commitment na ime-maintain ‘yung ODA assistance sa atin eh. So in spite of their difficulties, handa pa rin silang tumulong sa atin, paano naman hindi ikagagalak ng kalooban mo ‘yon, ‘di ba?” the
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(Cont’d on page 3)
TOKYO, Japan – President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and Japan’s new Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda spearhead the two countries’ Bilateral Summit Meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office during P-Noy’s state visit in Japan recently where he allegedly netted P4.1B in future investments.
(See page 8/Backpage)
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President told reporters, Tuesday evening. President Aquino also mentioned that all the business leaders he met the entire Tuesday manifested keen interest to expand their existing investments in the Philippines, especially those that are involved in the energy sector. Most, if not all, of the companies producing power in Japan had to voluntarily reduce their energy consumption following the Great East Japan Earthquake, thereby prompting their owners to review their policy and consider transferring some of their operations to other locations overseas.
President Aquino also mentioned that Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to continue assisting the Philippines in its ongoing peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as a member of the International Monitoring Team. He said Japan shall keep its projects under the Japan Bangsamoro Initiative for Reconstruction and Development Program. The Japanese government further committed aid to strengthen the capability of the Philippine Coast Guard — both in terms of manpower and equipment — in its protection of the West Philippine Sea in keeping with its bid for free-
dom of navigation. President Aquino said freedom of navigation was very important for the Japanese since all their oil exports passed through the West Philippine Sea. He underscored that Japan has been very supportive of the Philippines’ position to settle the dispute among claimant countries before the international law. The President, moreover, said Japan through Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda also expressed commitment to look into the Philippines’ problem with respect to the low passing rate of nurses in the country during the annual li-
censure exams. President Aquino said Prime Minister Noda was “quite positive” when he mentioned about the problem of nurses in the Philippines and the Japanese leader promised him that they will “review the procedures and see if it is too stringent”. “Pero, syempre, I don’t think he [Noda] is in a position to commit right now that we’ll have 3,000 by next year, 5,000 by the other,” the President clarified. He, however, mentioned that there was an offer to invite 400 Filipino nursing students to study in Japan as part of the people exchange program.
12 Maguindanao poll officials ready to testify on 2004, 2007 poll fraud
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Justice Secretary Leila De Lima on Wednesday said that 13 more witnesses have expressed their readiness to help in the joint probe on the alleged electoral fraud during the 2004 presidential and 2007 senatorial elections. De Lima said one of the 13 witnesses would surface this week. De Lima said that Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes has already talked to the witness, who expressed willingness to execute an affidavit. De Lima said that 12 election officers from Maguindanao will stand as “corroborative witnesses”. De Lima said that some members of the Department of Justice-Commission on Election (DOJComelec) fact-finding team would go to Maguindanao to gather the testimonies of the 12 election officers. It would be more economical if the investigation team would be the one to meet the 12 witnesses, De Lima said. De Lima will meet members of the fact-finding team on Thursday to evaluate the DOJ-Comelec accomplishments so far. Meanwhile, GMA’s camp dismissed DOJ’s recent move as nothing but diversionary tactic.
Aquino witnesses signing of business deals with Japanese firms TOKYO, Japan — President Benigno S. Aquino III witnessed the signing of four business agreements designed to help improve the Philippine’ economic progress and development. The four agreements, which were signed on Tuesday at the Imperial Hotel, follows: — Partnership Agreement between the Federal Land and the Orix Corp. on their Grand Hyatt Project with Francisco Sebastian, chairman of the Federal Land Inc. and Yoshihiko Miyauchi, chairman and chief executive officer of Orix Corp. signing the agreement. — Memorandum of Agreement between First Metro Investment Corp.n and Mitsui and Co. Ltd. with Federal Land, Inc. chairman Sebastian signing the agreement on behalf of his company while
managing officer and chief operating officer Tatsuo Nakayama inking the agreement on behalf of the Motor Vehicles and Construction Machinery Business Unit, Mitsui and Co. Ltd. — Reservation Agreement and Term Sheet of INGASCO and other Clark Development Corp. with Lawyer Felipe Antonio Remolio, president and chief executive officer of Clark Development Corp. and Masahiko Kitabatake, president of INGASCO, Inc. sealing the agreement. — MoU between Transnational Diversified Group and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) Line with Xavier Delgado, director of Transnational Diversified Group and Naoya Tazawa, representative director and senior managing corporate director of Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) Line signed the agreement.
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Metro Express
NEWS
Oct. 03 - Oct. 10, 2011
LRT/MRT & THE METROPOLIS
OAAP says 20,000 billboard industry workers may lose jobs The Outdoor Advertising Association of the Philippines (OAAP) fears that some 20,000 workers in the billboard industry may lose their jobs if the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) insists in using the new guidelines governing the billboard industry. Though the group said they have no quarrel with the MMDA’s drive on erring billboards, they said the new guidelines are too restrictive and may drive majority of their members out of business. “We will follow on the law and are more than willing to follow on the process but we don’t want to lose our business,” OAAP president Ed Acosta said. The group noted that if the new policy is imposed on the billboard industry, then at least 90 percent of the billboards along the 24-kilometer Epifanio Delos Santos Ave. (EDSA) will have to be dismantled as they would have a hard time complying with the regulations such as the prohibition on roof signages and the 10-meter setback requirements from the structure to the highway. The group also questioned the provision of the new guidelines which state that “effective January 1, 2012, all existing billboard building permits, business permits and clearances shall be disregarded or cancelled, and all billboard sign owners shall be required to apply for clearances or permits anew from their respective local government units, while owners and operators along major thoroughfares such as EDSA, C-5, Roxas Boulevard and Macapagal Avenue shall obtain a clearance from the MMDA.” All billboard owners are also required to submit their existing permits to the MMDA and their respective local government units for verification and validation.
Manila City Council lauded for thumbing down incinerators Healthy environment leaders commended the Manila City Council for unanimously passing on Tuesday a resolution that effectively nipped in the bud proposal to burn Manila’s trash. Through a resolution sponsored by Councilor Numero Lim of Manila’s second district, councilors from various political blocs expressed “strong and vehement opposition” to the use of incinerators for garbage disposal as proposed by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). The City Council cited health, environmental and economic reasons for rejecting incinerators, adding “that these devices are notoriously expensive because of the energy required to burn garbage.” In lieu of incineration, the City Council urged the government to enforce “with vigor and political will” proven waste prevention and reduction measures such as source separation, reusing, recycling and composting. The resolution immediately drew a chorus of approval from various citizens’ groups that see waste as a resource, which should be recycled back to nature or commerce instead of being dumped or burned and causing toxic pollution.
The wrath & many faces of typhoon ‘Pedring’
MMDA Anti-Smoking Campaign in Full Swing
President Noy is warmly received by Japan-based Pinoys upon his arrival at the Catholic Church Ishinomaki Kinder Garden Building during his state visit in Japan last week of September.
DBM releases P521.4 million for BJMP pay and allowances The Department of Budget and Management has recently released P521.4 million to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) for the payment of its 8,747 uniformed personnel’s base pay and allowances. Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad said the fund release is in line with the Aquino administration’s commitment to strengthen the country’s jail management system by ensuring the immediate payment of salaries and allowances of BJMP personnel. “The jail management system’s strength depends not only on steel
bars and garrisons but also on the morale of jail officers. The least we could do for our jail officers is to ensure that they receive their pay on time,” he said. He noted that the total number of BJMP uniformed personnel that will benefit with the release of payment was validated against the listing of BJMP personnel provided by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). He also noted that the amount released to BJMP does not include the amount to fund the creation of 500 Jail Officer 1 positions, which will be subject to a subsequent re-
lease. BJMP is one of the five pillars of the Criminal Justice System to address the growing concern of jail management and penology problem. Most of the BJMP’s detainees are accused before a court that are temporarily confined in jails while undergoing investigation, waiting final judgement and those serving sentence promulgated by the court three years and below. Under Republic Act 6975, the BJMP is mandated to take operational and administrative control over all city, district and municipal jails.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino today clarified that the Agency’s anti-smoking campaign is in full swing, belying rumors of the campaign being “here today, gone tomorrow.” “As of September 21, the Agency has apprehended 8,427 violators, 7,878 of which are male, and 549, female,” said the Chairman. “We never eased up on our anti-smoking efforts,” he added, clarifying that a temporary restraining order issued by a Mandaluyong judge against the campaign prohibited the agency only from apprehending violators in places not within the coverage of the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003. The MMDA Chairman stressed that the Agency’s anti-smoking efforts are in line with world-wide sentiments, citing the May 2011 United Nations Report of the Secretary General on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which states that NCDs have reached epidemic proportions. In 2008 alone, the Report stated, 36 million people died from NCDs, representing 63% of the 57 million global deaths that year. The Report said the four main NCDs are: cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers and chronic respiratory diseases, all of which are caused or aggravated by tobacco use. “The (NCD) epidemic is fuelled by a combination of rising risk factors, including tobacco use, an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and harmful alcohol use. The four main non-communicable diseases that share those risk factors cause almost 80 per cent of all deaths from such diseases,” said the UN Report. The Report concludes that NCDs affect the developing world and lower-income populations hardest. Quoting the Report, Chairman reiterated that “unplanned urbanization, ageing populations and the globalization of trade and product marketing, particularly for tobacco, alcohol and food, have led to a rise in the risk factors of such diseases.” “We are determined to enforce anti-smoking laws,” Tolentino added.
Valenzuela implements ‘Internet curfew’
Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian has announced that the local government is implementing an “Internet curfew” as part of its efforts to ensure that students in the city do not get addicted to on-line games and the like. In line with this, Gatchalian said the city government is now conducting a massive information campaign on City Ordinance No. 13, Series of 211, also known as the Internet Curfew Ordinance. The campaign aims to inform the public that in Valenzuela City, minors or any person below 18 years old are allowed at internet cafés and computer rental and gaming shops from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. only. Tarpaulins have been installed at conspicuous areas around the city and posters are being placed at internet cafés and computer rental and gaming shops to spread awareness among the owners and operators of such establishments that a new local law to regulate their operation is in force. The poster, featuring clear-cut text and a sketch of a school-age girl in front of a personal computer stamped with a red caution symbol, is one of the series of posters and tarpaulins released by the Office of the city mayor through the Public Information Office, along with the posters/ tarpaulins against selling of liquor and tobacco products to minors, and posters/tarpaulins on the prohibited hours of selling liquor and alcoholic products in the city. Under the ordinance, minors shall be restricted to enter the Internet shops and cafés from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and beyond 9:30 p.m., allowing them ample time of five hours and a half to do school research and home works. “Minors lingering at internet shops till wee hours in the morning are among the reported concerns from parents and concerned citizens alike,” Gatchalian noted. The regulation of the allowable hours shall be fully-implemented except during weekends, holidays and school vacations. Any violator shall be fined with a maximum of P5,000 and/or closure of the establishment and cancellation of the business permit.
Oct. 03 - Oct. 10, 2011
BUSINESS
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METRO EXPRESS
Toyota Motors to expand PHL operations —Palace TOKYO, Japan — Multinational automaker Toyota Motors Corp. will expand its dealership network in the Philippines from 29 to 65 by 2016, thereby placing a P3.6 billion worth of fresh investments in the country that and generate about 5,000 jobs for the Filipinos. Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. announced this Tuesday following President Benigno S. Aquino III’s successful business meeting with top executives of Toyota at the SEC. COLOMA Imperial Hotel. Coloma said that with this fresh commitment, Toyota’s total investments in the Philippines reached P20 billion. Their 2010 exports alone reached US$ 860 million, which constitute about 30 percent of the Philippines’ total automotive exports. “They are now looking at a short-term project [worth] 170-million US dollars [for its] planned improvement for next generation components, manufacturing and localization of spare parts in connection with their manufacturing activities here [in Japan],” Coloma told reporters during a press briefing held at Tokyo Kaikan. Toyota currently has 35,000 employees in the Philippines and has an ongoing corporate social responsibility project which is the reforestation development in Peñablanca, Cagayan. Coloma said Toyota plans to produce 100,000 cars by 2013 in time for the celebration of its 25th anniversary in the Philippines. Coloma said the 100,000 cars project pertain to Toyota’s actual production. They are currently manufacturing Innova and Vios models in Japan and are importing Camry and Lexus types along with many other car models. “For manufacturing facilities — they are looking at the feasibility of establishing a next generation components manufacturing plant. They are now using this term ‘next generation’— probably referring to hybrid or electric cars — so there will be a higher degree of digitization in the components of the next generation cars,” Coloma said. Founded in 1937 by Japanese entrepreneur Kiichiro Toyoda, Toyota has become the world’s biggest automobile manufacturer by production in 2010 and is now considered as one of the world’s largest conglomerates in the motoring industry with Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd., Lexus, and Hino Motors serving as its subsidiaries. President Aquino, who is a known car enthusiast, recalled that his father, Senator Benigno ‘Ninoy’Aquino, Jr. used to drive a Toyota Crown sedan which was transferred to his possession later on. Coloma said the President shared this particular memory to the Toyota company officials led by Yukitoshi Funo (executive vice president), Michinobu Sugata (president, Toyota Philippines), and Alfred V. Ty (vice chairman, Toyota Philippines) as an “icebreaker” during their meeting. “This was the car that he [President Aquino] inherited and he liked driving the Toyota Crown. That was what came into his mind when he talked with the people from Toyota,” Coloma said.
Aquino vows to settle digital TV issue by ‘12 TOKYO, Japan — President Benigno Aquino III assured that the Philippines will soon complete its technical evaluation of its digital television format in the first quarter of 2012. During a roundtable discussion between President Aquino and Japanese leaders, Marubeni Corp., one of Japan’s major companies raised its concerns over the Digital TV issue in the Philippines, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma, Jr. said in a media briefing in Tokyo. Coloma said that the President told Marubeni that the National Telecommunication Commission was still evaluating the issue, given the rapid developments in communications technology. Coloma said that when the issue was first raised last year, the dominant standard was the European standard. There was a Europe I standard and since then a Europe II standard has also come up and the President pointed out that the Philippines in the past adopted the betamax standard when the rest of the world had the VHS format, he said. Settling the standard issues was the reason why the President wanted a more deliberate technical evaluation process to ensure that there would be no disruption in the social or cultural aspect, Coloma said. “The President mentioned that watching television is a major activity among our people, even citing that during the political campaign, the schedule of rallies at night had to be synchronized with the schedule of the popular telenovelas,” Coloma said. “He said we don’t want any disruption arising from technology mismatch and this is why he said that the process is still ongoing. He mentioned that the decision on the technical evaluation would be completed by the first quarter of 2012,” he said. Top executives of Marubeni met the President Tuesday, committing several big ticket projects in the country in partnership with major Philippine companies like San Miguel Corp. and Aboitiz Group of Companies.
PHL domestic trade hit P107.6B in Q2 Domestic trade grew by 3.6 percent to P107.60 billion in the second quarter of the year from P103.91 billion in the same period last year, the National Statistics Office (NSO) said. NSO data show that trade through water transport accounted for 99.3 percent amounting to P106.82 billion. The total quantity of domestic trade transactions in the second quarter, on the other hand, decreased by 12.6 percent, resulting to 3.70 million tons from 4.24 million tons reported during the same period of last year. The commodities were traded mostly through water comprising 99.8 percent. The NSO said food and live animals contributed the largest share among the commodities transacted throughout the country in the second quarter with value amounting to P29.38 billion. This was followed by machinery and transport equipment with P27 billion, while mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials contributed P14.04 billion . Animal and vegetable oils, fats and waxes had the least share of P1.37 billion. The agency said most of the traded commodities came from National Capital Region with value of domestic trade amounting to P24.02 billion, followed by Central Visayas with P19.35 billion; Eastern Visayas, P13.28 billion and Western Visayas, P12.02 billion. Cagayan Valley’s domestic trade contributed the least share among the regions with only P75,000.
WHEN IN SUBIC... TRAFFIC REMINDERS AND ADVISORIES
HHIC-Phil president Jin Kyu Ahn (3rd from right) joins Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority directors led by Chairman Roberto Garcia for a ceremonial pose during the naming-ceremony for the bulk carriers M/V Star Borealis and M/V Star Polaris at the Hanjin shipyard in the Subic Bay Freeport over the weekend.
1. Make a full stop at intersections with stop sign or flashing red light or solid white line painted across the road. A full stop means a complete cessation of movement, not a rolling stop. 2. Yield to vehicle traveling a road with a right of way and those which have approached the intersection first. 3. Approach with caution or slow down at any intersection with yellow flashing traffic light. 4. All motorists should pull over to give way stop to emergency vehicles (Red Light/Siren). 5. Observe proper lane usage and speed limits, and give the proper signal to other motorists. 6. Obey all traffic lights and hand signals of traffic officers. 7. Load and unload at designated areas only. 8. No driving under the influence of alcohol or prohibited drugs. 9. No parking on yellow painted curbs. 10. Always have driver’s license and latest vehicle registration when driving. 11. Fasten seatbelt. 12. No traveling downgrade on neutral gear. 13. No wearing of headphone/earphone while driving.
Joint Fil-Am co to invest US$ 15-M in coco industry NEW YORK CITY — President Benigno S. Aquino III has expressed excitement over renewed interest by potential investors on the Philippine coconut, a Palace official said on Monday here. Presidential Communications and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ramon Carandang said that the President was in good spirits after a soft drink manufacturer as well as a Filipino and American company expressed their intent to invest on harvesting the natural and medicinal properties of coconut water and selling it around the world. In separate courtesy calls at the Guggenheim Room of the Omni Berkshire Hotel here, soft drink giant Pepsi Corporation (PepsiCo), American beverage company Vita Coco and Filipino-based Fiesta Coco Equity told the President of its respective investment plans for the Philippine coconut. Carandang said that PepsiCo, Vita Coco and Fiesta Coco Equity were aware of the growing demand for coconut water in the United States and other countries as an alternative to carbonated sodas. He said consumers were turning to healthier means to hydrate themselves after working out or just quench everyday thirst from normal activities. Because of this, Carandang said that these companies were turning to coconut-rich countries as sources for their individual products. “So these companies want to source the demand for coconut water from the Philippines. So malaking opportunity ito for our coconut industry and for our farmers,” Carandang said. Carandang also said that although PepsiCo did not throw out any numbers during the courtesy call, the company was serious in its plans
to expand its coconut harvesting operations in the Philippines because of its “huge potential.” In a separate interview, Vita Coco co-founder and chief executive Michael Kirben and Fiesta Coco Equity (FCE) president Romeo Chan said that they had just signed an agreement to increase the production and harvesting of coconut water. Chan said that FCE, which has coconut plantation in Misamis Occidental, has pledged to supply the demand of Vita Coco. The duo said that they had told the President of their company’s pledge to invest US$ 15-million over the next four years not only to harvest coconut water but to do its part in preserving the resource by planting more coconut trees in the country. “Generally we discussed the coconut industry in the Philippines and how there’s a lot of room to bring rebirth to the industry in general,” Kirben said. “We expressed a lot of interest in the planting of coconut trees to revive the coconut industry because we noticed that a lot of the trees are senile and old,” Chan added. Carandang meanwhile said the President was excited over the new investment prospects as these would help in his government’s poverty alleviation campaign through job generation. “It (investment) is something rural communities can benefit from so it dovetails with the President’s anti-poverty through job generation campaign,” Carandang said. “Kaya nga masaya siya eh…excited siya, excited si Presidente,” he added.
Employment quality continues to improve -NEDA The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said that the quality of employment continued to improve this year, based on the National Statistics Office (NSO) report on the July 2011 Labor Force Survey. According to the NSO, the number of employed persons in July 2011 was estimated at 37.1 million, or 2.4 percent higher than the 36.2 million employment generated in July 2010. Employment generation for the period reached 870,000, which is higher than the 729,000 net employment in July 2010. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Cayetano W. Paderanga, Jr. noted the continuous improvement in the quality of employment as the number of workers with wages and salaries increased by 7.9 percent to 20.9 million in July 2011. “Filipino workers who are employed in the more remunerative and stable work comprise 56.3 percent of the total workers in July 2011 from only 53.4 percent a year ago,” said Paderanga, who is also NEDA Director-General. The NEDA official also said that those categorized as self-employed without paid employee, employer in own family-operated farm or business and unpaid family workers decreased by 1.7 percent, 6.2 percent, and 8.8 percent, respectively, in July 2011 compared with July 2010. “This employment performance in terms of class of workers implies that, in general, the quality of employment in the country has improved during the period,” said Paderanga. The NSO also reported that in terms of working hours, the number of full-time workers, which comprised 64.9 percent of total employment, grew strongly by 697,000 or by 3.0 percent during the said period. The number of the part-time workers likewise decreased from 34.7 percent in July 2010 to 34.1 percent in July 2011. “Incomes may have also increased considering the increase in the
size of paid workers, full time employment, and the mean hours worked,” added Paderanga. The Secretary said that the average net employment creation for the months of January, April and July 2011 now reached 857,000. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate slightly went up to 7.1 percent in July 2011 from 7.0 percent in the same period last year due to more labor entrants recorded this year, PADERANGA with the labor force increasing by 2.5 percent, compared to the 1.3 percent growth in July 2010. The underemployment rate, or the proportion of those who are already working but still wanted more work, also went up to 19.1 percent, or around 7.1 million employed persons, possibly due to the higher uncertainties caused by the surges in world oil prices, the triple disasters in Japan, the slow recovery of the U.S. and Eurozone, and the social unrest in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which increased the pressure to look for more work. The NEDA chief said that the higher unemployment and underemployment rates indicate that policy interventions of the government must focus not only in the creation of more employment, but also in generating more decent, productive, and quality employment. “In this period of slowing global economy and slowing external demand for Filipino goods and services, quality employment should be able to provide adequate income. Aside from keeping our workers and their families out of poverty, this will also boost household consumption, and domestic demand in general,” said Paderanga.
Hotel developer to put up project in Clark
The hotel firm has a credible track record in the hotel and restaurant industry and it plans to extend its wealth of experience in lifestyle creative expertise in Clark through its quality service and hospitality which the Fino Property Ventures, Inc. is known for. Some of the firm’s successful business ventures include Hotel Pontefino in Batangas, The Glass House, Malate Pensionne, Sidebar, and its well-established chain of fine dining restaurants–Chateau 1771, Portico and Sentro.
CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga — A famous hotel firm operating in Batangas province is planning to duplicate the success of their tourism-related business from Region IV-A inside this Freeport zone. Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president Felipe Antonio B. Remollo said the state-owned firm is currently evaluating the project of Fino Property Ventures Inc. (FPVI). FPVI, developer of Ponterino Hotel & Residences located in Batangas City, is the newest trailblazer in the real estate industry. The company aims to be an innovative lifestyle property developer in the country by providing stylishly creative and value-based residential solutions to the needs of the upscale market. The group is planning to put up hotels, serviced apartments, condo units, townhouses, office spaces, shopping arcades, restaurants, cafes, bars and event counters on the former Duty Free area along C.M. Recto Highway here.
Security Bank to issue P10-B LTNCD; declares cash dividend Security Bank Corp. on Wednesday said it plans to issue P10 billion worth of long term negotiable certificates of deposits (LTNCD). In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), Security Bank said its Board of Directors approved Wednesday the issuance of five to seven years LTNCD “subject to regulatory approval.”
The Metro Express is published and distributed weekly by el amigo media solutions at Philippine Economic Zones, LRT Lines 1 & 2, MRT, Congress, the Senate and other government offices. For press, photo releases and advertising inquiries, text or call Hotlines Globe 0915-5517486 and Smart 0949-1661022. Emails: 2011metroexpress@gmail.com and esns03@yahoo.com. el amigo media solutions Publisher Ismael ‘El’ Amigo Editor Fitzgerald Cecilio Asst. Editor A.Z. Kal Art Director Eugene Labadan PR, Marketing & Circulation Manager Benjie Alejandro, Ana Cheza Montana, Noel Dolor Editorial Contributors
Thrash trash If our editorial photo at right is vivid enough for your eyes, you’d instantly notice the wide contrast between a mammoth vessel (far right) and the outrigger banca owned and managed not by a multinational company but by determined fishermen scavenging on dead fishes washed ashore courtesy of typhoon ‘Pedring’ recently. But think again. There is a bigger picture glaring at your very own eyes. Do you know what it is? “Ahhh....trash!” You’d say. “There is no other dominant picture in it but the two vessels!” Unfortunately, you are both right and wrong believe me you. “Right” in a sense that our eyes are trained to notice BETTER LATE the dominant figures in a picture: In this case, the THAN NEVER two vessels. That’s correct. “Wrong” in a sense that the big picture that our very own eyes missed is the amount of trash lining up the shoreline within which the two vessels are seemingly floating. Tons of trash, again got washed ashore along MaISMAEL A. AMIGO nila Bay courtesy of ty1ST-APLUMA phoon “Pedring” recently. And that has always been the case every time a typhoon lashes the Metropolis, the morning after effect so to speak. Typhoon in, and typhoon out. That has been the case. This simply means, that we need a lot of room for improvement on our drive to stamp out trash or to thrash trash and preventing them from getting into our waterways. It’s good to note local government units specially Muntinlupa City embarked on a pro-environment initiative by banning the use of plastic bags in each and every mall, business establishment for groceries and other goods. Further, its good to note other LGUs are toeing the line. For indeed, sooner or later, those plastic bags would clog waterways and finally the resultant factor of widespread flooding and decadence of the environment. Waste segregation is now also being followed down to the letter. Unsegregated trash are left uncollected by trash collectors and that’s fine. That will forcibly teach homeowners to segregate biodegrable waste materials with biodegradable materials. With it, recycling becomes a more easier task. There is money actually in trash provided these are properly taken care of. It’s not too late yet for us to do our share in saving Mother Earth. All we need to do is thrash trash. Let’s learn to dump them on proper dumpers. Littering literally destroys the environment. It should be everyone’s dream to see our rivers, shorelines and waterways free of trash. It’s not yet too late. We can help save the environment in more ways than one. Government agencies and the legislative department should also get involved by coming up with decisive measures that will penalize violators to the hilt by making it a major crime against humanity and the environment. Stiffer fines should stiffly teach violators and prevent them from wantonly throwing waste materials into waterways and open spaces. For indeed extreme measures are sometimes needed to solve extreme problems. EDITOR’S NOTE: All commentaries and or opinions submitted by columnists and herein published shall remain as personal opinion of Metro Express’ column writers. As such, these cannot and never be construed nor considered as similar to that of this publication (Metro Express)’s stand on issues discussed. Be that as it may, Metro Express shall not be held liable on any legal issues related/pertaining to, or any column/ commentaries that may appear herein.
Trash talk
Your trash may not be in the real sense of the word as it is for indeed there is a lot of money in trash that is, if we manage them properly. Even improperly, trash provides a lot of things to a lot of us with the living proof of it serving as the main source of livelihood of many of our less fortunate brothers and sisters who unfortunately also learned the hard lesson that a trashslide could also kill them instantl in the infamous case otherwise known as the “Payatas Tragedy” not so long ago. That was when trash segregation was an alien word yet. He may not have been the perfect chairman the Metro Manila Development authority ever had but former MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando made famous a line that says “There is money in trash.” So we do strongly believe for this writer was there when the Municipality of Montalban in Rizal Province stepped forward and volunteered to serve as willing host for all of Metro Manila’s trash; tons and tons of them. This came to be known as the Montalban Solid Waste Disposal Facilities or in simplier terms: Montalban landfill. Soon the town of Montalban metamorphosed into a new developing town in East Rizal, abuzzed with commerce
and projects sprouting here and there. Yup, talk about golden trash. And soon too, local officials got in the mix of things. A legal tug-of-war ensued between the Provincial Government and the local government unit of Montalban as the former questioned the legal standing of the latter as collection agent on millions of trash tipping fees with the MMDA. A long legal standoff ensued dotted with back-to-back suspension of the town mayor stemming from assorted cases filed with the Sandiganbayan both imagined and real concocted by his opponents. Imagined or real, this led to the local chief executive’s downfall in the most recent elections together with his own son’s candidacy. A cause and effect thing. Had the situation nine years ago back then or before the elections of 2010 been the same with the LGU of Montalban as direct recipient of MMDA TF payments, father and son could have given their opponents a good fight in the name of trash. Somewhere else, trash greatly matters. Millions of pesos, in fact, more than enough to support and perpetuate one’s hold on political power are derived from it. Next time a truckful of trash passes you by, smile.
EDITORIAL
OPINION Metro Express
4
Oct. 03 - Oct. 10, 2011
VIEWS, COMMENTARIES, OPEN FORUM
The True Definition of a Christian If someone asked you, “Are you a Christian?”, what would you say? Probably “Yes.” But what if they asked, “Why?” That’s where a lot of us have problems. I could be stumped if someone asked me that and tempted to say something like, “Well, my parents raised me as a Christian” or even, “Because I believe in God.” But lots of people believe in God, and what if my parents had raised me wrong? No, that is not the reason I am a Christian. When it really comes down to it, what would I say? What would you say? The True Definition of a Christian. The reason you are a Christian is not because you do good things like go to church or read the Bible. It is not because you were raised in a “Christian” home or nation. It’s not even because you believe in the concept of God. It is because you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the King that will reign for eternity. Your faith in Jesus is what makes you a Christian—pure and simple. The Proof. Look at this contrast of two men as proof. Jesus was hanging on the cross between two criminals. Can you picture them? Neither of these men were “good” people, but they had very different attitudes toward Jesus. The one made fun of Jesus, saying, “Aren’t you supposed to be the Messiah? Prove it!” But the other one was deeply humble and replied, “We deserve to die; this man doesn’t.” Then he turned and said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). That’s the clincher: He truly believed that Jesus was the Son of God. And Jesus’ response is the proof that salvation is by faith alone: “I assure you, today you will be with Me in paradise’" (Luke 23:43).
Let It Sink In. Your salvation—eternal life when you die and the complete forgiveness of your sins—is not a matter of good deeds, family heritage, or general belief in God. It is founded on your belief that Jesus is the Son of God, and that He will come back to bring you into His great kingdom.
That’s where a lot of us have problems. I could be stumped if someone asked me that and tempted to say something like, “Well, my parents raised me as a Christian” or even, “Because I believe in God.” But lots of people believe in God, and what if my parents had raised me wrong? No, that is not the reason I am a Christian. When it really comes down to it, what would I say? What would you say?
Let this simple fact be the answer to those who ask you why you are a Christian and give you great peace.
Apply It: Explain to someone this week the true definition of a Christian. Let us know if you did it by responding to this e-mail! So this week, let us pray that: We would understand the true definition of a Christian We would be able to share it with someone else Global Media Outreach would look to Jesus for its direction and example THANK YOU so much for your prayers. If we can pray for you, just hit “reply” to this email and let us know your prayer requests. God loves you! Your Friends at Global Media Outreach
Oct. 03 - Oct. 10, 2011
LEGIS/EXEC NEWS
Metro Express 5
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, THE SENATE & EXECUTIVE BEATS
Aquino lauds Japan for support to PHL poverty reduction, economic dev’t TOKYO, Japan — President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the support Japan, as the top donor country to the Philippines, has extended for poverty reduction and economic development in the Philippines. The President’s expression of gratitude was contained in a Joint Statement after his first Bilateral Summit Meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda at the Prime Minister’s Office (Kantei) here. In response, the Japanese official vowed to continue its assistance to the Philippines as an important Official Development Assistance (ODA) target country. The two leaders also emphasized the importance of the Japanese ODA loan project “Forestland Management Project” for disaster management as well as addressing climate change. They also welcomed the signing and exchange of notes for the project that took place on Tuesday also at the Kantei, Prime Minister’s Office. At the same time, the two leaders welcomed the entry into force on April 8 this year of the Agreement on Technical Cooperation between Japan and the Philippines. President Aquino and Prime Minister Noda likewise decided to continue to promote maritime connectivity in the Philippines and its surrounding area through their support for the “Maritime ASEAN Economic Corridor,” the initiatives to contribute to the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC), and cooperation under the framework of the Japan-BIMP EAGA (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area), while coordinating with the Comprehensive Asia Development Plan (CADP) formulated by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).
TRUST GOD. Father Almighty. +
President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda exchange notes of Foreign Ministers Koichiro Gemba and Albert del Rosario at the Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday (September 27).
DepEd upgrades science teaching with new equipment The Department of Education has released some P330 million in producing science equipment, which was delivered to 435 public secondary high schools nationwide, to improve the students’ learning and appreciation of science concepts and its applications. Following this, DepEd through its National Science Teaching and Instrumentation Center (NSTIC) will hold a national consultative conference on the use of science equipment in Cebu City to prepare teachers on the proper handling and maintenance of the equipment. Education Secretary Armin A. Luistro said the NSTIC together with Regional Science Supervisors and BSE representatives will review and finalize the experiment and repair and maintenance manuals which will be used for the subsequent regional training workshops which is set to start in October to cover the country’s 17 regions. NSTIC and the NSTIC-trained regional trainers will train one science teacher per science subject area (Integrated Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics) in each recipient school. “The training is very important for the science teachers to master the use and application of the new science equipment as well as the maintenance procedures to ensure long-term use of these equipment,” Luistro added. A stronger science and technology curriculum in basic education is in the ten-point education agenda of President Aquino aimed at producing graduates who are geared towards a science and technology-driven economy. Related to this, DepEd has added 100 new special science elementary schools this year, bringing to 200 the total number of elementary schools offering a specialized curriculum focused on the sciences. “The marching order is for us to continue to find ways to develop a new generation of science and technology-savvy graduates who will bring us to new levels of economic progress,” explained Luistro. The list of equipment, instruments, and science learning tools include: For Integrated Science: Aneroid Barometer, Assorted Glassware, Triple Beam Balance, Terrestrial Globe,
Seismograph Model, Anemometer with Wind Vane, Magnetic Compass, Connecting Wires, Magnets, Alcohol Burner, Ring and Ball Apparatus, Various Conductor and non-conductor materials, Sun-Earth-Moon Model, Constellarium, Hydrometer, Rock Samples, Astronomical Telescope and Alcohol Thermometer, Maps, Map of World Climates, Map of Philippine Climates, Map of Philippine Volcanoes, Map of Starts, Posters, Layers of the Earth, The Richter Magnitude Scale and various consumables. For Biology: Compound Microscope, Dissecting Set, Human Torso Model, Human Skeleton Model, Animal Mitosis Model, Assorted Glassware, Alcohol Thermometer, Triple Beam Balance, Cork Borers, Glass Slides, Assorted Chemicals and Consumables, Alcohol Burner and Safety Glasses and Home Gloves, Charts, Plant Cell, Animal Cell, Development of an Embryo, Mendel’s Law, Gene Map of Human Chromosomes, Food Pyramid, and Flower and Seed Structure. For Chemistry: Alcohol Thermometer, Assorted Glassware, Electrolysis Apparatus, Cork Borers, Reagent Bottles, Triple Beam Balance, Alcohol Burner, Calorimeter, Burette, Pipette, Bunsen Burner, LGP Tank with gas, Osmosis Apparatus, Conductivity Apparatus, Condenser, pH Meter, Safety Glasses and Hand Gloves, Assorted Chemicals and Consumables, Charts and Cabinets for Corrosive Materials, Periodic Table of Elements, Laboratory Safety Rules, Basic Laboratory Apparatus. For Physics : Archimedes Principle Apparatus, Open U-tube Manometer, Air Blower, Light Bulb and Dry Cell, Set of Connectors, Resistance Box, Introduction to Ratio-activity Kit, Switches, DC Ammeter, DC Voltmeter, Galvanometer, Set of Coils, Motor-Generator Model, Set of Hard Tools, Advanced Electromagnetism Kit, Graphing Calculator, Basic Electronics Kits, Fuse with Holder, Variable Power Supply, Turning Fork Set, Resonance Tube Set, Sound Signal Generator Kit, Loud Speaker, Wave Demonstration Set, DC String Vibrator, Musical Instrument, Basic Lens Set, Prism, Refraction Blocks, Refraction Tank, Student Optical Bench Set, Multimeter, Logic Gates Trainer and Assorted Glassware and Consumables Chart, Electromagnetic Spectrum and Radioactive Elements.
Restructure MRT/LRT contract to halt fare hike - Chiz
Police escort Philippine Airline (PAL) workers out of the Philippine Airlines terminal in Manila on September 27, 2011, as striking workers staged a sit-in at Manila airport. Thousands of passengers got stranded after the ground crew declared a surprise strike to protest the carrier’s plan to spin off its ground operations. PAL said some 103 flights were cancelled, leaving 14,000 passengers stranded.
The planned fare increase in the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) can be aborted if the two agencies will restructure their operational contracts, Senator Chiz Escudero said. Escudero, who has been opposing the proposed train fare increase, said there are a lot of existing options that the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) can explore to address the huge subsidy it continuously shoulders for the rail transport systems. “As I have always said, raising fares should be the last option especially at this time. Yes, we need to look for viable measures to address the deficits faced by the two agencies. It is a challenge, but the bigger challenge for now is to restructure the whole operations and contracts to create benefits for the riding public,” Escudero pointed out. The senator has been pushing the government to collect its share from non-rail revenues of the LRT and MRT. He said revenue shar-
ing derived from the advertisements and lease operations of the MRT Development Corporation (MRTDevCo) and the LRTA should be realized between the government and the two agencies. He said MRTDevCo has been collecting and receiving income from the ads and lease operations, but the Metro Rail Transit Corporation (MRTC), which operates the MRT, failed to settle its outstanding debt to the government now running into billions of pesos. Early this year, Escudero had asked the LRT and MRT administrators to submit to his office a full accounting of their revenue sharing from advertisements and lease operations. The two agencies have yet to comply. “In other rails in the worlds, nonrail revenues are actually used to supplement the income of the railway system itself so it can subsidize lower rates to commuters,” he explained. The senator said the government should get its rightful share from these non-rail revenues so
that the country can implement what all rails in the world are doing: tap non-rail revenues to subsidize the fares. As this develops, the senator cautioned the DOTC and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) against plans to sanction those who took part in the transport strike the other day because this might infringe on their right to free expression and organization. “Such retaliatory action is punitive and reactionary especially given the fact that valid issues were raised by the protesters as shown by the creation by the DOTC of a task force to look into possible collusion and overpricing between and among oil companies,” Escudero said. Since yesterday the (LTFRB) has started drawing up a list of transport operators who took part in the strike. LTFRB chairman Jaime Jacob said they are preparing to charge and penalize participants for violating their franchise.
Paje endorses proclamation of Marikina watershed as a protected area Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje has endorsed to Malacañang the proposed proclamation of the Marikina Watershed Reservation as a protected area pursuant to Republic Act No. 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act. Paje signed the endorsement on Monday (Sept. 26) at the DENR Social Hall in Quezon City following the signing of the “Statement of Commitment to Save the MarikiOBEY na Watershed” by various key stakeholders pushing for its decTRAFFIC laration as a protected area. RULES! “We have recommended to President Aquino the declaration of the So that others may live. Marikina watershed as a protect-
S
ed area. Once declared, the management of Marikina watershed will be changed into a protected area management regime,” Paje said, adding that under such a regime, exploitation and cutting of trees within the watershed would be reduced. Paje also said that the DENR, together with the Climate Change Congress of the Philippines (CCCP), the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF), the Alliance of 7, Rizal provincial government, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), and all other stakeholders, has committed to plant five million trees from 2011 to 2016 under the National Greening Program (NGP). “In the Statement of Commitment we just signed with other stakeholders, we will plant five million trees to rehabilitate the Marikina watershed to enhance its water-holding capacity to reduce siltation and flash flooding,” Paje explained.
Paje, who is also a forester, explained that a forested area could prevent flash floods, as it would absorb most rainwater and release it slowly to the lowlands. Forest is also important in preventing or minimizing soil erosion, according to him. The commitment signing coincided with the second anniversary of typhoon Ondoy which caused massive flooding in Metro Manila and several municipalities in Rizal. Among the signatories include Sec. Neric Acosta, Presidential Adviser and General Manager of the LLDA; Atty. Francis Tolentino, Chairman of MMDA; Atty. Christian Monsod of CCCP; Klaas Oreel of PDRF; Rizal Vice Gov. Frisco San Juan; and Sec. Paje. As proposed the Marikina Watershed Reservation will then be known as the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape, and will cover a total area of 26,125.64 hectares in the city of Antipolo and in the munic-
Cont’d on page 6
After going sexy, Jessy plays good girl role Jessy is set to appear on ABSCBN’s upcoming show “Budoy” opposite hunk actor Gerald Anderson.
AFTER showing some skin in the television series “Sabel”, actress Jessy Mendiola is back doing good girl role again. Mendiola is set to appear on ABS-CBN’s upcoming show “Budoy” opposite hunk actor Gerald Anderson. “Thank God at hindi ako natypecast sa ganoong role,” she said, referring to sexy roles. Asked about her role in “Budoy,” Mendiola said, “Ibang iba po siya sa ‘Sabel.’ Sa ‘Budoy’ po very much good girl po ang role ko.” Last month, Mendiola admitted she has been receiving hate mail and negative tweets since she started to work with Anderson for “Budoy.” It was reported that there are still members of Kimerald — fans of the loveteam of Anderson and actress Kim Chiu — who do not like Anderson’s new leading lady.
SHOWBIZ
Metro Express 6 Sept.12 - Sept. 19, 2011
Ejay Falcon says no to casual sex
JESSE MENDIOLA
In an interview, Mendiola said she fully understands the reaction of some fans. Members of Kimerald, however, have denied that the hate mail came from them.
FOR actor Ejay Falcon, sex should only be done by couples who truly love and care about each other. Falcon, who is part of ABS-CBN series “Guns and Roses,” said it was his father who told him to be extra careful when it comes to having sex. “Kung hahantong doon (sex), dapat eh mahal mo ang babae at hindi lang [tawag ng laman],” he said. “Ang sinasabi niya (father) laging mag-ingat. Basta ‘yun ang sinabi niya sa akin. Huwag kang gagawa ng isang bagay na pagsisisihan mo.” Last year, rumors surfaced that Falcon got a non-celebrity girl from Mindoro pregnant. The actor has denied the said rumors, which he
EJAY FALCON
called “baseless.” He added that he can never leave a pregnant woman behind.
Piolo to give more time to KC
KC CONCEPCION
FS &
UN
Metro Express
Piolo Pascual assured everyone that he has enough time to spend with girlfriend KC Concepcion despite his hectic showbiz schedule. For the next couple of weeks, the actor would be juggling his local showbiz commitments and his album tour in Asia. According to Piolo, though he has work to do, he will make sure to spend quality time with KC and he’s also excited with the upcoming project of his girlfriend. “Yung oras naman namin para sa isa’t isa eh hindi mawawala yun eh. May bago din siyang soap and I’m also really excited for her,” he said in a television interview To recall, the two had a rough days a couple of weeks back which fueled the rumors that they called their almost one-year relationship off. They then attended the Star Magic Ball together for the third consecutive year and clarified they were able to patch all misunderstanding between them. “Siyempre hindi natin maiaalis yun. Basta ako ang alam ko eh okay kami. Kung ano yung iniisip ng mga tao, bahala na lang sila.” The actor is also looking forward to his upcoming primetime project with the Kapamilya Network. Though he’s not in liberty to reveal details about the new teleserye, Piolo said it will be his first time to work with his co-stars. “It’s a dream project because yung mga makakasama ko eh first time kaming magtrabaho sa soap. I’m really excited.”
PORTS PAGE
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Billiard stars Dennis Orcollo and Carlo Biado got off to a blazing start by posting victories at the start of the 2011 BSCP National Pool Championships at the Star Billiards Center in Quezon City on Monday. A top player of Bugsy Promotions, Orcollo, who is also known as “Robocop,” edged veteran campaigner Edgar Acaba, 8-7, while fellow Bugsy bet Biado beat John Salazar, 8-7. Acaba, who led for most part of the match, tied the score at 7-all and had a golden opportunity of completing an upset win by getting the privilege of breaking in the 15th and final rack. Unfortunately, Acaba scratched the cue ball while going for the break, allowing the current world no.1 Orcollo to run out the table. “I got lucky he scratched in the final rack. I was struggling the whole game, and was lucky to pull this one off,” said Orcollo, playing under the banner of sportsman/businessman Ceferino “Perry” Mariano. A strong contender for the World Pool Association Player of the Year award, Orcollo was surprisingly trailing, 3-5, but won four of the next five racks to take the driver’s seat, 7-6. A dry break in the 14th rack allowed Acaba to get back at the table and level the count at 7-all, setting up an exciting finish until disaster struck in the 15th when he scratched while breaking.
Dyarista
A.Z. Kal
No. 05
NGAYON Kongresista. Sadyang ‘weather. weather laang’
A.Z. Kal
The world’s youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910.
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The Los Angeles Rams were the first U.S. football team to introduce emblems on their helmets.
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Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing.
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO
NOON
ipalities of Baras, Rodriquez, San Mateo, and Tanay., all in the province of Rizal. Paje also stressed that the declaration of the watershed as a protected area is imperative to maintain the life-support system in its natural condition and to conserve the rich cultural features and the threatened and endangered Philippine flora and fauna thriving in the area. It is also seen as a potential source of water supply for Metro Manila, and plays a vital role in regulating flooding in the low-lying areas of Rizal and Metro Manila. Among the endangered wildlife species found in the Marikina watershed include forest trees like narra, red and white lauan, bagtikan, kamagong, and molave; while the wild fauna include birds like the Philippine bulbul, black-naped oriole and jungle fowl; mammals like the Philippine deer, wild pig, and the Philippine monkey; and reptile such as the monitor lizard. DENR records indicate that the Marikina Watershed Reservation was established by virtue of Executive Order No. 33, issued on July 26, 1904, thereby making it part of the initial component of the NIPAS.
History
SAHOD NA HABANG MAY TULO...
What A.Z. Kal says on “weather, weather”!
From page 5
Did you know that...
ORCOLLO, BIADO OFF TO GOOD START IN BSCP NATIONAL POOL CHAM’SHIPS
COMICS
Paje endorses Marikina...
In contrast, Renemar “Revo” David, a former national junior standout, scored the biggest upset win of the day by upsetting former World 9-ball runner-up Roberto “Pinoy Superman” Gomez, 8-7, while Jeffrey de Luna, a perennial contender and the strongest powerbreaker in pool, showed up in tip-top condition by taking three straight matches by beating Mario Tolentino, 8-3, to stay on the winner’s bracket and extend his winning streak to three. The power breaking De Luna asserted his dominance over Mario Tolentino, 8-3, to stay on the winner’s bracket and extend his winning streak to three. Also keeping a perfect record were Johann Chua, Ricky Zerna, OFW Allan Cuartero and Rene Cruz. Chua capped his run of victories with an 8-7 decision over Ramon Mistica. Zerna also survived Oliver Villafuerte in another hill-hill encounter, 8-7. Cruz stunned comebacking Leonardo Andam, 8-5, to complete the list of players on the winner’s bracket of the event that attracted 47 participants. Two notable players also got the early exit door – reigning national junior champion Jonas Magpantay and veteran campaigner Ramil Gallego. Relegated to the loser’s bracket early on, Magpantay lost 4-8, to Anjo Huelgas, kissing his hopes goodbye of earning a spot in the World Pool Summit. Gallego also got the boot, bowing to Reggie Geronimo, 7-8.
“I got lucky he scratched in the final rack. I was struggling the whole game, and was lucky to pull this one off,” -- Orcollo (playing under the banner of sportsman/ businessman Ceferino “Perry” Mariano)
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Hershey’s Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it’s kissing the conveyor belt.
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Chop-suey does not come from China. It was created by Chinese immigrants in California
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Chocolate is the number one food stuff flavor in the world, beating vanilla and banana by 3-to-1.
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Valentine’s Day originates from the ancient Roman festival of fertility, which was held annually on 15 February.
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Americans eat twice as much meat as Europeans, gobbling up some 50kg (110 lb) per capita.
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Every day 200 million couples make love, 400,000 babies are born, and 140,000 people die.
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The word “Checkmate” in chess comes from the Persian phrase “Shah Mat”, which means “the king is dead”.
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More movies are being produced in India than in Hollywood. About 800 movies are released annually.
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There are more than 600 million telephone lines today, yet almost half the world’s population has never made a phone call.
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Hanjin launches 2 new vessels SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co.-Philippines (HHICPhil) launched two newly-built bulk carriers during a vessel-naming ceremony held at its shipyard here on Saturday. The vessels, which were named M/V Star Borealis and M/V Star Polaris, have an individual capacity of 180,000 deadweight tons and a gross tonnage of 93,681 tons. Both vessels are 292 meters long,
45 meters wide and 24.75 meters deep. The ships were purchased by Star Bulk Carriers Corp., a global shipping company based in Athens, Greece, providing worldwide seaborne transportation solutions in the dry bulk sector. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Roberto Garcia, Olongapo City mayor James Gordon, Jr., HHIC-Phil pres-
ident Jin Kyu Ahn, as well as Star Bulk president Spyros Capralos graced the event. Nicoletta Panayiotopoulos and Danae Capralos served as sponsors in the ceremony. In his message, SBMA Chairman Garcia extended his appreciation to HHIC-Phil for continuing to contribute to Philippine economic development through its shipbuilding operations in this free port.
Danae Capralos, daughter of Star Bulk Carriers Corp. president Spyros Capralos, prepares to cut the rope to unveil M/V Star Polaris, one of the two bulk carriers that were named at the Hanjin shipyard in the Subic Bay Freeport over the weekend.
Metro-Subic
Express www.metroexpressnews.yolasite.com
SUBIC BAY, PHILIPPINES “As you maybe well aware of, because of Hanjin’s presence in the Philippines in the past few years, the Philippines has come from nowhere to become the fourth largest shipbuilder in the world. And I congratulate President Ahn and his staff for the magnificent job that they have done here in Subic Bay,” he said. Garcia also welcomed Hanjin’s plans to expand the shipbuilder’s presence in Subic Bay, saying that the SBMA has already reserved an additional 200 hectares for such purpose. “We hope that in a few years, the Philippines will go from number four to number one in the world,” Garcia said. “We hope that you will continue to contribute to the economy, not only in terms of the production of ships but also in creating,
Oct. 03 - Oct. 10, 2011
especially, more jobs for Filipinos,” he added. For his part, Star Bulk president Spyros Capralos extended his gratitude to Hanjin for making topquality ships for his company. “Today’s ceremony is of high importance because Star Borealis and Star Polaris are the company’s first new-building vessels ever,” he said in his address. “We are very pleased, not only with the superb construction quality, but also with the safety record of the construction since there were zero incidents.” Capralos also said that Star Bulk and Hanjin share the same vision for better and more effcient ships that will suprpass the strictest global safety and environmental standards. “We acknowledge the efforts made to ensure that our vessels
were designed with low-waste levels and highly-efficient plans and equipment to support low-energy operation. Improving energy efficiency is critical not only because it reduces emissions, but also because it directly affects our stability,” he said. After the unveiling ceremony, both vessels were blessed in a Greek Orthodox Church religious rite. A tour of the vessels and a ceremonial horn-honking immediately followed the blessing. HHIC-Phil, which is located at Subic’s Redondo Peninsula, has the two largest drydocks in the world. Its operations here now make the Philippines the fourth largest shipbuilder in the world. The Subic shipyard currently employs 22,000 skilled workers from various local communities.
SBMA Media Bureau
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND SEMINAR Class 38 of Immanuel Series poses with elders, “auxies” and the Ecclesial Team lead by Fr. Jess Fernandez, Team Couples Bro. John & Sis. Nitz Calamiong and Bro. Sonny and Sis. NItz Baquiran for posterity during Immanuel Series’s Marriage Encounter Weekend Seminar last Sept. 9, 10 & 11, 2011 at La Verna Retreat House, Tagaytay City. Immanuel Series is a member of M.E. Tuklasan Sector. Not in photo are series servant leaders Bro. Smack and Sis. Bobitte Amigo. Class 38 includes couples Jon and Enid Matriano, Jose and Rosalyn Aquino, Steven and Michelle Joaquin, Edward and Michelle Lumabi, Rexmelle and Nemalyn Decapia, Edmund and Imee Rivera, William and Rosemary Perea and couples Robert and Clarivel Nagar.
, Marriage Encounter: FAITHH EALTH & MYSTERIES A must for couples It has already been a couple of weeks before we filed our last piece in this corner. Mea culpa. And as such apologies is on the line. The reason is, yours truly has been so preoccupied lately with preparations for our weekend seminar in our Marriage Encounter community, particularly, Immanuel Series Tuklasan Sector.
This entailed fund-raising and everything. The M.E. is an apostolate for married Catholic couples where I and my better half Esperanza serve as Head Servants, punong tagapaglingkod sa paglalapit ng Ating Panginoong Hesukristo sa mga magasawahan. As I write this piece, our series was in the middle of things preparing for our very
first reunion of new graduates in Class 38 at the Technological University of the Philippines in Taguig City last Sunday, September 25, 2011. Expected to attend were the eight newly-minted encountered couples and of course, the elders of our series. Former Tuklasan president couples Bro. John and Nitz Calamiong volunteered to preside over the proceedings of the first
reunion, which normally takes longer than the rest of other reunions as it involves introduction of elders, couple by couple for familiarization purposes for the benefit of the new grads. Without getting into the nittygritty of the M.E., this works almost similar to that of the Couples for Christ but some people say there is something with M.E. that cannot be found
nor experienced at CFC although they do have similar reasons for being. Both have similar focus and introducing our God Almighty, our Creator Jesus Christ, the supreme symbol of divine love for
The Ecclesial Team of Class 38 led by Fr. Jess Fernandez (center) Team Couples Bro. John and Sis. Nitz Calamiong, Sis. Nitz and Bro. Sonny Baquiran.
Immanuel Series: One big happy family in Jesus Christ. Fr. Agot (10th from left) obliges for aphoto op with elders of Immanuel Series shortly after giving an inspiring talk on commitment a week before IS’s ME Weekend Seminar. Bro. Fred (extreme right) and Sis. Judith Bugaoisan (fourth from left) hosted the Series’ recollection.
married couples. A good clue for the uninitiated is this: Once you attended a weekend seminar for M.E., everything will not be the same again. Couples have to allow someone in, at the center of their married life: God. Another clue is: the M.E. is non-reformative. Meaning, there are no guarantees. No guarantee that an alcoholic husband or wife will be reformed overnight. No guarantees that a philandering husband will change overnight, etc. But, but, but. There is but one guarantee: God will always make a way. God bless to all !
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Metro-Subic
Express
Subic Bay, PHILIPPINES
Oct. 03 - Oct. 10, 2011
Hanjin launches 2 new vessels Full story on page 7
Officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and local government units in Olongapo City and Zambales join owners of M/V Star Borealis and M/V Star Polaris for a ceremonial picture-taking during the naming-ceremony of the two newly-built bulk carriers at the Hanjin shipyard in the Subic Bay Freeport recently.